Europe struck first when Breeders’ Cup 2024 kicked off Friday at Del Mar, as Magnum Force topped a longshot exacta over fellow continental raider Arizona Blaze in the $920,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).
Third to returning rivals Aesterius and Big Mojo when favored in the Flying Childers (G2) at Doncaster in his most recent start, Magnum Force turned the tables on them and nine other rivals under a ground-saving ride by Colin Keane, who was winning his second Breeders’ Cup event following Tarnawa’s victory in the 2020 Turf (G1) at Keeneland.
Although in the second half of the field down the backside, Magnum Force remained within four to five lengths of pacesetter Governor Sam, who dashed the first quarter-mile in :21:77. Improving position while remaining in the first two paths, Magnum Force rushed into contention and deep stretch, split rivals outside Governor Sam, and drew away to a half-length win.
“When we turned in, the pace collapsed. We got room when we needed, and he quickened up smartly,” Keane said.
Owned by Abdulla Al Khalifa and trained by Ger Lyons, Magnum Force completed five furlongs on firm ground in :56.36. He paid $27.
Arizona Blaze, sent off at 27-1, rallied for second, a half-length ahead of Governor Sam, who nosed out Big Mojo for third. The order of finish was completed by Whistlejacket, Aesterius, Ides of March, 2.70-1 favorite Ecoro Sieg, Jet Sweep Joe, Gate to Wire, Pali Kitten, and Shareholder.
The Juvenile Turf Sprint was the second win and first in a stakes for Magnum Force in five outings. An odds-on maiden winner at Naas in his second start, he wheeled back eight days later in the Roses S. at York, finishing second by a neck. He was beaten 1 1/2 lengths into third in the Flying Childers next out.
“I knew the horse was the right horse for the job, but if he was good enough, we didn’t know until today,” Lyons said.
The Irish-bred Magnum Force is by Mehmas and out of Tropical Rock, a daughter of Fastnet Rock.
Check out 2024 Breeders’ Cup News and Notes from TwinSpires.com.
